XMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
Local comedian Jason Manford is to kick-off the fast approaching festive season and push the button at this year’s light switch-on party. Key 103 presenters Mike and Chelsea are to host the live show, with performances from Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro, an appearance from Idiot Abroad's Warwick Davis and X-Factor alumni, singer Shayne Ward, who will be sharing the stage with new girl band, The Piccadillys. The evening will close with a a ten minute firework finale.
Xmas Lights Switch-On | Albert Square | Fri 7 Nov | From 7.30pm | More here
Xmas Lights
WWE LIVE
Grown, sweaty, muscular performing a choreographed dance routine while pretending to hit each other over the head with chairs and kick each other in the goolies... you can see why it's caught on. One of America's most successful entertainment exports returns to these shores and they're bringing some of WWE's biggest names including John Cena, The Big Show, Sheamus and The Wyatt Family - who actually started the whole Northern Quarter beardy thing, don't ya know?
WWE Live | Phones 4u Arena | Sat 8 Nov | Tickets here
He really shouldn't have eaten that last hobnob
CHAOS TO ORDER
Renowned for their eclectic, unpredictable style of music, Mercury Prize nominees Everything Everything have been handed the keys to the city's landmark Central Library building to curate the Chaos To Order festival. The five-day event will feature 'curated events and experiments spanning music, theatre, literature, dance, comedy, and the indefinable, to challenge perceptions and test the limits of what a 21st century library can be.' Right on.
Everything Everything present Chaos to Order | Central Library | Mon 10 to Sat 15 Nov | FREE | More here
Everything Everything
PHILIP GLASS
When it comes to classical music, Philip Glass is a pretty big deal. In fact, he's a huge deal. The Independent recently went as far as to say Glass had 'changed our world'. Well, it kept the wind out for one. Now the American composer, aged 77, is back on the road (as is his latest opera, The Trial) with the Philip Glass Ensemble and will play The Bridgewater Hall on Monday 10 November.
Philip Glass | The Bridgewater Hall | Mon 10 Nov | Tickets here
Philip Glass
THE SPECIALS | O2 Apollo | Tuesday 11 November
A pioneering band of the ska scene. Despite a series of line-up changes since their formation in 1977 the Special's legacy is still going strong. The group will be joined by renowned punk duo Sleaford Mods in what should be a bouncing night at the Apollo.
The Specials | O2 Apollo | Tues 11 November | Tickets here
HEMINGWAY'S A FAREWELL TO ARMS
Acclaimed theatre makers Imitating The Dog present this stunning adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s seminal First World War novel, and one of the great love stories of the twentieth century. Fusing video, beautiful stage design and original music, this UK stage première is an extraordinary version of Hemingway’s powerful meditation on love and the brutality of modern warfare.
A Farewell to Arms | The Lowry Theatre | Thu 13, Fri 14, Sat 15 Nov | Tickets here
The Lowry Theatre
MCR XMAS MARKETS
On the go since 1999, the Manchester Christmas Markets spread across nine sites is now the biggest in the UK. According to last year's figures alone, Manchester hosted over 300 stalls and welcomed a record nine million people in. That's nearly four times the entire population of Greater Manchester. Impressive stuff. Just don't bring a pram.
Manchester Christmas Markets | Opens Fri 14 Nov | 10am - 9pm daily | More here
Xmas Markets
HOME IS THE NORTH
Looking for ways to make that transformation from house to home? This event at the Halle St. Peters should help with a few nifty interior ideas. Following a successful event earlier in the year, 'Home is in the North' returns to showcase stacks of exciting new interior designs and items from 30 of the North's finest independent designers and makers. There'll be an array of handmade items, from up-cycled furniture to ceramics, you name it. There's also the chance to have a pop yourself with workshops and talks from industry experts.
Home is in the North | Halle St Peters | Sat 15 Nov | 11am to 4pm | More here
Halle St Peters
IMMORTAL LOVE
This new exhibition gives audiences a chance to witness rare traditional Chinese art brought over especially from Shanghai by highly respected artists Mr and Mrs Chen. Traditional Chinese skills are used including paper-cut to show the history and development of the Chinese Dragon; detailed Chinese paintings to show symbols of wealth, love and friendship; and traditional Chinese watercolour landscape paintings. This is the first time the work will be exhibited in the UK.
Immortal Love From Shanghai | Salford Museum & Art Gallery | Sat 15 Nov | More here
Salford Museum
SCI-FI ALL NIGHTER
Calling all Sci-fi dorks. For those that have wondered what's beyond the final frontier, for those who've ever wanted to own a Delorean or make the Kessel Run in twelve parsecs.Well, this one's for you. A twelve hour overnight Sci-fi movie marathon at Manchester's finest indie cinema, The Cornerhouse. As part of the nationwide BFI Sci-fi season the Cornerhouse will be screening The Terminator, Godzilla, Flash Gordon and more. Watch them all, watch a few, watch one. Whatever you fancy. Now all together... FLASH *BOOM* AHAAAAAAAA
Insomniac Invasion | Cornerhouse | Sat 15 Nov | More here
Bet you can't guess which one is Flash...
